Tottenham Hotspur manager, Roberto De Zerbi has confirmed that Richarlison will not be part of the squad travelling to Anfield for Tuesday’s Carabao Cup third round tie against Liverpool, extending a difficult stretch for the Brazilian forward at the club. 

The decision comes even though Spurs have struggled badly in front of goal this season and Richarlison has an impressive scoring record against the Merseyside club.

Richarlison was omitted from Tottenham’s list of 25 players submitted for the Premier League earlier this month after being told he was not part of De Zerbi’s first team plans.

He remained eligible for cup competitions, however, having failed to secure a move away from the club before the transfer window shut. The 29 year old started the season opener at Brentford but was later informed he could leave, with moves to Everton and Trabzonspor both collapsing. He also turned down a switch to boyhood club Vasco da Gama last week after talks over personal terms broke down, and was present in the stands for Saturday’s goalless draw with Everton, though he will again be left out this week.

Speaking to reporters on Monday, De Zerbi made clear that nothing had changed in the situation. He said Richarlison already understood the position and that it applied equally to the Carabao Cup and the Premier League.

The Italian coach, whose side have yet to score in four league matches this season, said he had tried to resolve things by offering the forward a contract extension at the start of the campaign, an offer he says was turned down. De Zerbi added that he considered his part in the matter closed once that conversation took place, describing the situation as one between the player and the club rather than something he was prepared to discuss further in public.

Tottenham head into the Anfield tie looking to build on a 5-0 win over Charlton in the second round, hoping cup football can offer some relief from a winless start in the league. De Zerbi is expected to rotate his squad for the trip to Liverpool, a move made more likely by fitness concerns, with Pedro Porro and Sandro Tonali also unavailable. Richarlison, despite four goals in seven previous appearances against Liverpool, will have to keep watching from the sidelines as his future at the club remains unresolved.

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